I see much discussion of new boats and various brands and models, rising costs etc. Got me to wondering how many of us hold on to a boat as long as it serves the purpose?I fish out of a 25 year old Bass Cat Eyra with a 175 EFI. I find nothing currently manufactured in that size range that is superior or possibly even equal to it. I try to keep the electronics updated to recent standards (not cutting edge) have a GPS trolling motor. Old boat will kiss 70 mph with a 25 tempest and runs rough water great for it's size.. Gel coat is pretty much pristine, carpet has been replaced and needs it again, Why would i replace it for little to zero gain?

'99 Cobra 190 with '99 200 EFI. I didn't want a payment, so I bought old and have updated the boat as I go along. If I had the cash, I would 100% by a new boat. I just cant justify a payment for the time being.

37 years old

9 months.. got a chance to buy at great price, figure it will last me till I'm to old. had the last one for 13 years and three different motors.

I think the allure of a new boat is just keeping up with the Jone's for some, and warranty for the others. I have a 2019 Tin rig. It is a Lowe 198 Stinger Favorite Edition. I bought it new with 8 years of warranty at a price that is half of a new fiberglass. I think for me the power system of a boat is more important than the hull. But to each their own. If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford a brand new boat every year, I think it is great. New boats are pretty. Honestly if you are happy with what you got, why change it. That is my philosophy.

Same here, just picked up a 1995 Cajun and plan on buying goodies along the way that I can transfer to a new(er) boat.

I run a 2000 203 Champion with a 2000 Yamaha 200 VMAX. Still runs great. Tournament fishes great and runs in the mid 60’s which is good with me. I’ll repower her when she needs it, but for now my Yamaha is strong. To each their own on new boats, but I have a hard time personally justifying 80+K for a new boat that I’m going to go scratch up on the first weekend. I have a line of people that want my 203 when and if I ever sell it.

1999 Triton TR 19 with an Evinrude 175. This is all the boat I need. I dont get to fish near as often as I would like. But it starts right up everytime and gets me thru any water I need to go thru. Good boat!!! Putting new seats in it now and will need carpet the next couple of years.

2001 Tr21 with a 2001 merc 225

2011 Skeeter ZX 200 with a 200 Sho. Still have a payment but its in near perfect condition, and I plan on having it for a long long time. Gets the job done for me at 19 1/2 feet.

I've had my '03 Cougar FTD for 16 years now. I'd like to get a new Lynx but I have too many other financial obligations or plans. I am happy with my Cougar and it's in nice shape. I am currently upgrading all the electronics and TM. Insurance just put on a new lower unit..oops. Seats are still in great shape, The carpet has hung in there this entire time. I may put in some new carpet in the Fall this year. Afterwards it will be like new boat at that point.

The wife vetoed any new boat anyway. However, she is did suggest upgrading it instead. I'd don't think she had any idea how much that was going to cost.

2016 Epic bay boat purchased new in Feb.17. Been itching for something different but its paid for.

My son in law bought a 96 Ranger 487 VS towards the end of last year so that we could start fishing tournaments together. Not only is it going to be great to fish with him but we also are having a great time doing small upgrades to the boat like new rocker switches, lid locks, lighting etc. We have quite a few other projects we want to do to it and luckily it came with an Ultrex trolling motor and Lowrance Elite electronics so the really expensive things were not needed.
Also the Mercury 200 EFI may be a little stubborn to start in the cold but when it does it runs as good as any motor out there.

I got out of an older boat when I bought my rig, and I had a great time working on it. Installed new carpet, built in lights, lid locks, you name it. Loved working on that thing and making it my own.

2005 Nitro 901 CDX.

I can't justify the cost of a new boat.